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Justice News

Crystal Beach Woman Arresting For Defrauding FEMA In The Wake Of Hurricane Ike

GALVESTON, Texas – Whitney Rohacek, 26, of Crystal Beach, has been was arrested following the return of an indictment charging her with fraud in connection with a major disaster and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

Rohacek was arrested this afternoon without incident. She made her appearance just moments ago before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Froeschner, at which time she was permitted to be released upon posting $10,000 bond.

The four-count sealed indictment was returned Jan. 30, 2013, and unsealed upon her arrest today. The indictment alleges she submitted a false bill of sale for a travel trailer that contained a forged signature, as well as fraudulent title documents and receipts in order to obtain disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

If convicted of fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency, Rohacek faces a maximum punishment of up to 30 years in prison, as well as a possible $250,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft charge also carries another possible fine of $250,000 and a two-year-term of imprisonment, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

The investigation leading to the charges in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Leuchtmann is prosecuting this case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.